The two-time defending 1A state champion Cowboys ran the ball with ease against the War Eagles on Friday night

Madison County senior offensive lineman Zane Herring, an FSU commit, blocks as Madison County traveled to Wakulla and won 27-26 during a preseason game on Aug. 16, 2019.(Photo: Brian Miller/Democrat)

In the days leading up to Friday’s preseason tilt between Madison County's and Wakulla’s football teams, Florida State commits Zane Herring and Keyshawn Greene were talking back and forth in their group chat for Tribe Class of 2020 commits.

When they hit the field against each other at the same time – Herring as the Cowboys’ 6-foot-5 three-star right guard and Greene as the War Eagles’ four-star linebacker – any pleasantries were out the window.

Early in the game, Herring got upfield for a block and gave Greene a little tap, then directed a few words his way. It was all love, but sometimes love hurts.

“I said, ‘Let’s go, you don’t want none,’” Herring said with a smile, sitting under shelter after lightning ended the game at halftime. “I texted him (Thursday), but he didn’t reply back, I guess because he was getting ready to lose.

“We have a good relationship and it’s good to be able to go up against him, have a rivalry, but still be buddy-buddy afterward.”

Wakulla four-star linebacker Keyshawn Greene, an FSU commit, gets sideline directions as Madison County traveled to Wakulla and won 27-26 during a preseason game on Aug. 16, 2019. Brian Miller/Democrat

Madison County running back Vinsonta Allen slips a couple tackles for a touchdown run as Madison County traveled to Wakulla and won 27-26 during a preseason game on Aug. 16, 2019. Brian Miller/Democrat

Wakulla senior Keyshawn Greene, a four-star linebacker commit to FSU, walks off the field as Madison County traveled to Wakulla and won 27-26 during a preseason game on Aug. 16, 2019. Brian Miller/Democrat

Wakulla senior Keyshawn Greene, a four-star linebacker commit to FSU, returns a kick off as Madison County traveled to Wakulla and won 27-26 during a preseason game on Aug. 16, 2019. Brian Miller/Democrat

Wakulla senior Keyshawn Greene, a four-star linebacker commit to FSU, returns a kick off as Madison County traveled to Wakulla and won 27-26 during a preseason game on Aug. 16, 2019. Brian Miller/Democrat

Wakulla senior Keyshawn Greene, a four-star linebacker commit to FSU, returns a kick off as Madison County traveled to Wakulla and won 27-26 during a preseason game on Aug. 16, 2019. Brian Miller/Democrat

Madison County linebacker Jacoleman Young produces a strip sack leading to a fumble return touchdown as Madison County traveled to Wakulla and won 27-26 during a preseason game on Aug. 16, 2019. Brian Miller/Democrat

Madison County linebacker Jacoleman Young produces a strip sack leading to a fumble return touchdown as Madison County traveled to Wakulla and won 27-26 during a preseason game on Aug. 16, 2019. Brian Miller/Democrat

Madison County senior offensive lineman Zane Herring, an FSU commit, pulls on a running play as Madison County traveled to Wakulla and won 27-26 during a preseason game on Aug. 16, 2019. Brian Miller/Democrat

Greene, who produced a couple solid kick-off returns along with playing weak-side linebacker, is more reserved than his future Seminoles teammate. But he was thankful for the challenge of facing another top recruit.

“I like playing against him because he’s a good ballplayer,” said Greene, who has been compared to former Wakulla and FSU linebacker great Nigel Bradham, a Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles.

“He hits, I hit, we like hitting each other. Playing against a great player just makes me better. I like playing against Madison because we get better.”

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Wakulla senior Keyshawn Greene, a four-star linebacker commit to FSU, walks off the field as Madison County traveled to Wakulla and won 27-26 during a preseason game on Aug. 16, 2019.(Photo: Brian Miller/Democrat)

Herring, who knew since former teammate Travis Jay committed that he would commit to Florida State, has gone undefeated against Wakulla in his career. That’s bragging rights when he and Greene are in the same locker room, but by then they’ll be blood brothers.

“It’s a family over there, it really is,” Herring said. “It’s nothing like it was last year. They’re coaching harder, making it more of a family, and getting onto everyone.”

Greene also echoed Herring’s thoughts about FSU’s program being a family. That means a lot to him because of his struggles growing up.

“Florida State and all their coaching staff, they want their kids to get their education and football last. I like that,” Greene said. “When I was there, it was home.

“Growing up, I didn’t have my dad in my life, just my momma. I told my mom I’d push hard and we’re gonna make it. To feel the love (from a program), it just pushes me harder and makes me bust my butt on the field.”

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Wakulla four-star linebacker Keyshawn Greene, an FSU commit, gets sideline directions as Madison County traveled to Wakulla and won 27-26 during a preseason game on Aug. 16, 2019.(Photo: Brian Miller/Democrat)

Madison County, which has won the past two Class 1A state championships, won 27-26, but not without a little luck. The War Eagles scored with 1:11 left before half, but the Cowboys called a timeout as Wakulla set up for an extra point – just as lightning broke the sky at Wakulla’s J.D. Jones Stadium and the refs sent everyone off the field.

Prior to that, Herring was enjoying his half of work.

The Cowboys’ run game having its usual ground and pound success. Senior Vinsonta Allen, who was the area’s leading running back last year with 1,616 yards, broke out at quarterback, a surprise move after junior R.J. Williams started the spring game after moving up from QB1 on the junior varsity. Of course, Allen also pitched for the Cowboys’ baseball team in the spring and earned All-Big Bend honorable mention honors.

Robert Hiers, who rushed for 936 yards as a sophomore, was paired up with Allen in the backfield. Together, they were unstoppable, each breaking 20-plus-yard touchdown runs in the first half.

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Madison County's Vinsonta Allen runs a play with Robert Hiers as Madison County traveled to Wakulla and won 27-26 during a preseason game on Aug. 16, 2019.(Photo: Brian Miller/Democrat)

“R.J. is a smart guy, he just overthinks it and has to get used to playing the game,” Herring said. “But it’s amazing having Sonta back there. He was going to be back-up quarterback and also running back. Having him at quarterback – he can run the ball whenever and he can throw the ball just as good as R.J. He’s football smart, just knows what to do.

“And Robert is a powerhouse and just runs through jokers. We’re going to have a great season. As linemen, we don’t have to worry about much. Just stay on our blocks and they’re gone.”

While the run game was in full effect, the Cowboys only threw the ball a couple times.

“We pass maybe 5 percent, so I still have to get used to that,” Herring said. “At FSU, I’ll more than likely redshirt so I’ll have time to work on it. My run game is way better than pass game. And pulling? I’ll do that all day. Pull around and hit someone, it’s fun.”

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Madison County senior offensive lineman Zane Herring, an FSU commit, pulls on a running play as Madison County traveled to Wakulla and won 27-26 during a preseason game on Aug. 16, 2019.(Photo: Brian Miller/Democrat)

Madison County opened up a 20-7 lead after scoring in all three phases for its first three touchdowns. Kooley Davis returned the game’s opening kick-off for a touchdown, and linebacker Jacoleman Young produced a strip-sack of Wakulla quarterback Jaylon Worsham than turned into a 25-yard scoop-and-score by senior defensive end Todd Brown.

Wakulla, however, wasn’t done after getting punched a couple times.

Jordan Bolden produced a couple electric touchdown plays, including scoring on a 60-yard swing pass from Worsham in which he broke about five tackles, bounced around like a pinball in traffic, and stayed on his feet to bust loose to pay dirt.

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Wakulla running back Jordan Bolden scored two touchdowns as Madison County traveled to Wakulla and won 27-26 during a preseason game on Aug. 16, 2019.(Photo: Brian Miller/Democrat)

Worsham also connected with senior receiver Jarien Allen on a 60-yard touchdown, and the War Eagles punched in a late touchdown to draw all but even.

Greene, for his part, said he’d do his best to correct his and Wakulla’s defensive mistakes.

“I’m going to get better. I’m going to practice my steps and get to the ball more,” Greene said. “I want to go to state and be the No. 1 linebacker in the country. We’re going to have to work hard as a team, play as a team, and just come together.”

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Wakulla linebacker Keyshawn Greene (No. 17) runs onto the field as Madison County traveled to Wakulla and won 27-26 during a preseason game on Aug. 16, 2019.(Photo: Brian Miller/Democrat)

Wakulla opens its season next week on the road at Eufala, Alabama.

Madison County begins its trilogy quest at Crescent City, which is halfway between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach, but more inland.

“I want to go back to the state championship for the three-peat, and then just get closer to my teammates,” Herring said. “I only have four months before I’m at Florida State. I want to have a great time with these guys and come out on top.”

Friday night scoreboard

Madison County 27, Wakulla 26

Godby 40, Chiles 13

Rickards 14, Sandalwood 13

University Christian 28, Florida High 20

Blountstown 15, NFC 9

St. John Paul II 6, Bronson 0

Aucilla Christian 42, Sherwood Christian 0

Franklin County 14, Liberty County 8

Know the score

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